What is the recommended action for managing outbreaks of Bordetellosis and Pasteurellosis in rabbits?

Culling infected rabbits is considered the recommended action for managing outbreaks of Bordetellosis and Pasteurellosis in rabbits due to the contagious nature of these diseases. Bordetellosis, caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Pasteurellosis, caused by Pasteurella multocida, can spread rapidly among rabbits and lead to severe health issues and high mortality rates if not controlled.

By removing infected individuals from the population, the risk of disease transmission to healthy rabbits is significantly reduced. This strategy aims to contain the outbreak, allowing for healthier animals to remain in the breeding or exhibition population. Additionally, it facilitates better overall herd health management, as continuing to house infected rabbits can perpetuate the cycle of illness and lead to more widespread outbreaks.

Other strategies, such as increasing feeding frequency, reducing cage sizes, or opening cages for air circulation, may have their benefits in other contexts, but they do not directly address the critical need to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in a population where outbreaks have already occurred.